San Diego Chargers training camp preview: Ready to knock Denver off?

Can Philip Rivers outduel Peyton Manning in the West?

Denver has claimed the AFC West in each of the past four seasons. But Philip Rivers and Co. could end that streak this year; the Rivers-led Bolts were the only divisional team to hand Peyton Manning a home loss during their reign. Rivers loves playing in Denver, and he'll love it even more if it takes two regular-season matchups and a playoff showdown to decide which team is truly best in the West.

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Will the Chargers finally lock up Eric Weddle?

Eric Weddle says he'll instruct his agent not to negotiate with the Chargers once the regular season begins. That only leaves a small timeframe for the Bolts to lock up their best defensive player and captain. Weddle is a 100-tackle-a-year machine who is the heart and soul of defensive coordinator John Pagano's defense. Frankly, the Chargers couldn't pay him enough -- but will they?

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Where will the Chargers' pass rush come from?

John Pagano should be given a commemorative plaque for how long he's disguised his defense's deficiencies. San Diego hasn't boasted a feared pass rusher since Shawne Merriman. They're the only team in the division without a franchise-caliber sack artist, so they could use all the help they can get from guys like Melvin Ingram (pictured) and 2014 second-round pick Jerry Attaochu.

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Is Melvin Gordon about to take the NFL by storm?

It makes sense that Melvin Gordon idolizes Adrian Peterson. The new Bolts running back could ultimately have the same, explosive impact Peterson had in his rookie season. Think that's high praise? Consider this: Gordon ended his Wisconsin career just 41 yards short of Barry Sanders' all-time mark. He was the fastest player to reach 2,000 rushing yards in a season; don't be surprised if, one day, he approaches that mark in the pros.

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How big of a distraction could Los Angeles relocation be?

A group of owners is expected to hear San Diego's plans for Los Angeles on Aug. 11. That time couldn't come sooner for L.A. football fans, but it's terrible timing for head coach Mike McCoy. Should relocation be ratified, he'll have to refocus his entire roster right before a lame-duck swan song season. Veteran players like Philip Rivers might not want to suit up for the Los Angeles Chargers, either. Relocation could really detract from what looks like a promising year.